Legendary Venice: Doge's Palace, St Mark's & VIP Terrace Access
Overview
Available languages
Mobile ticket
With skip-the-line tickets and an expert guide, you’ll explore Venice’s top two landmarks, St. Mark’s Basilica and the Doge’s Palace, in just two unforgettable hours. Wander the gilded council rooms in the Doge's Palace, cross the Bridge of Sighs, uncover enthralling stories of power and politics, and marvel at the golden mosaic ceiling in St. Mark's Basilica. Note: If you select the Private Legendary Venice option (max 6 people) or Legendary Venice with Terraces option at time of booking, you’ll have the once-in-a-lifetime chance to admire beautiful views from the balcony over St. Mark's Square. These options have a tour duration of 3 hours.
Additional Info
Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Unfortunately due to the nature of this tour it is not suitable for guests with mobility impairments or with wheelchairs, or strollers.
Due to the religious nature of St. Mark's Basilica, all individuals regardless of gender must cover their shoulders and knees. You can bring extra covering (scarves, etc) to put on just before entering St. Mark's. Walks cannot be held responsible for those denied entry.
Sites visited during this tour are subject to occasional closures due to holy observances, high tides, and/or flooding. If a site closes, your guide will tour the exterior of the site. If time permits, we will reach out to you prior to your tour. If the local municipality restricts access due to high tide and there are no walkways available, it is the client’s responsibility to bring appropriate footwear (e.g., boots). For last-minute closures, modifications may be communicated at the tour start time.
No refund will be provided if high tide prevents certain parts of the tour, but adjustments to the route will be made for client safety and comfort.
If access is restricted due to private events inside St. Mark's Basilica and/or Doge's Palace, we cannot be held responsible. This is a situation beyond our control. No refund will be issued.
St. Mark’s Basilica can be subject to closures due to particular liturgical celebrations, especially during major religious holidays such as Easter or Christmas. In the event that the Basilica is closed, explanations will be provided from the outside.
Please note that a photo ID is required to visit the St. Marks Basilica. Failure to bring an ID can result in the security staff refusing your entrance to the monument.
If you select the Private Legendary Venice option (max 6 people) or Legendary Venice with Terraces option at time of booking, you’ll have the once-in-a-lifetime chance to admire beautiful views from the balcony over St. Mark's Square. These tour departures are 3 hours.
What To Expect
Piazza San Marco
Begin in the world-famous St. Mark’s Square (Piazza San Marco) and take a moment to appreciate the breathtaking space laid out in front of you. Your guide will lay the foundation for your experience, setting the scene of centuries of Venetian history under the famed arched portico.
Palazzo Ducale
Start your day at Palazzo Ducale, or Doge's Palace, home to the doge, or duke, of Venice and his seat of government. As your guide leads you through its grand chambers and council rooms, they'll point out paintings by renowned Venetian masters such as Veronese and Tintoretto. You'll hear how Venice was ruled from within these walls and about some of its famous prisoners, including Casanova. You'll even walk in their footsteps as you cross the Bridge of Sighs from the palace and into the grim New Prisons. Note: Step inside the Doge’s Palace before it opens to the public to wander the empty chambers—an exclusive early access experience only available on this tour’s 8AM departure. The 8AM tour also includes a tour of St. Mark's Basilica and special access to the terraces with incredible privileged views of St. Mark's Square.
Options
Legendary Venice No Terrace
St. Mark's Basilica & Doge's: Discover the Doge’s Palace and then skip the line into St. Mark's Basilica on this express English guided tour.
Private - Legendary Venice
Private Tour w/ Terrace: Explore Venice’s top attractions—St. Mark’s Basilica & terraces, and the Doge’s Palace—on a private English guided tour.
Legendary Venice Spanish Tour
Spanish Group Tour(No Terrace): Join this Spanish language tour - explore Doge’s Palace & skip the line into St Mark’s Basilica on this 2-hour tour of Venice
Legendary Venice with terraces
Small Group Tour in English: Venice’s top attractions—St. Mark’s Basilica w/ terraces, and the Doge’s Palace—Exclusive Doge's Palace Early Entry, 8AM only
What‘s Included
Pre-reserved ticket to the Doge's Palace (25 €)
Local English-speaking guide
Exclusive Early Entry to the Doge's Palace (8 AM only)
Exclusive access to the balcony of St. Mark's Basilica (if option selected)
Spanish Speaking guide (if option selected)
Skip-the-line ticket for St. Mark's Basilica (St. Mark's Basilica + Museum 24€)
Headsets when necessary
Gratuities
Hotel Pick-Up/Drop-Off
Lunch
Cancellation Policy
If you cancel at least 3 full day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a full refund.<br>If you cancel within 3 day(s) of the scheduled departure, you will receive a 0% refund.
Reviews
5,546 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Great tour of Doge Palace
E4050UQjasond,Jun 19, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Susie was very informative and friendly through out the tour. She made sure our 6 year old was included and made to feel special during the tour.
Best !
rachelkR1468WP,Jun 19, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Susan was incredible and so informative ! Highly recommend
Excellent tour and knowledge guide!
Maps31477803845,Jun 19, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Susan gave an excellent walking tour of Doge’s Palace and St. Marks! We loved the early morning access and low crowds- highly recommend as a way to see these sights.
Both St. Mark’s Cathedral...
Julie M,Jun 18, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Both St. Mark’s Cathedral and Doge’s Palace were beautiful and our guide told us so many interesting facts about both. I would recommend taking a tour because you have an experienced guide to provide information you would not know if you went on your own.
The terrace option is worth it!
Kristy K,Jun 18, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00We had some disappointing tours in Rome, but thankfully this one was great. The terrace access was excellent. Our tour guide, Mose, spoke clearly and enthusiastically. He shared interesting information and clearly loved his subject. 3 hour tours are a bit tiring, but this one was worth it!
Excellent Tour!!!
carpentieril,Jun 18, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Tullia was an excellent guide. Learned so much about the history of Venice, the basilica, the Palace, and all the paintings. Definitely recommend this tour.
Getting the most out of our trip to Venice!
haileyg249,Jun 18, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Our tour with Moses was superb! He was very engaging, animated, knowledgeable, and funny! He really helped us hone in on what otherwise might have been very overwhelming monuments to see. It was easy to hear and the process for meeting with and keeping up with the tour group was straightforward. We maximized our visit time and felt like we had a full experience. We would recommend and tour with Moses and Walks of Italy to anyone!
This tour was excellent...
Jason T,Jun 18, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00This tour was excellent and provided a great mix of informal and formal information about the basilica and palace. Our tour guide Mose was extremely informative and knowledgeable which made for an excellent experience.
Amazing
RAFAEL C,Jun 18, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Alessandro is a wonderful guide, very knowledgeable and easy to understand. Very attentive, the tour itself was pretty amazing, makes you feel very small in the grand scheme of things and how history has formed the city.
St Marks Basilica and Doge’s Palace Guided Tour
Destination402150,Jun 17, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Alex is the goat. Funny, personable, and very knowledgeable.
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